Tips for Dealing With Frozen Pipes

Published on December 14, 2017

Winter weather is here for much of North America and with that comes the typical cold weather woes, including the possibility of snow, sleet and ice along with flu season and freezing temperatures. Those low temperatures can also bring a specific plumbing complication for homeowners – frozen pipes.

A frozen pipe is a ordinary, yet sometimes considerable plumbing issue to face. When the weather gets colder and the temperature is below freezing, the water in your home’s pipes may freeze and enlarge, which can result in anything from a tiny leak to full-fledge flooding.

There are several signs that can reveal a frozen pipe. If you find a water line covered in frost or any lumps within the pipe, that is a pretty distinct sign that your water pipe is frozen. While it may seem obvious to know if your water lines are frozen, just know that not all plumbing pipes are in sight. If you turn on the sink and the water isn’t coming out, or not flowing properly, or your toilets won’t refill after a flush, that’s also an indication that your pipes may be frozen.

So what can you do in the event that you think your pipes could be frozen? It is very important to swith off the power to your water supply before you try to thaw your pipe in order to stop the pipe from breaking. Try warming the frozen area of the pipe with heated water or packing towels that have been soaked in hot water around your water pipes. If these measures don’t solve the problem, call a professional plumber in to assist. Do not attempt to use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or anything else with an open flame, as these are fire dangers.

If the pipe has actually burst, begin soaking up the water with a mop, rags or sponges to clean up as much as you can before it causes damage. If the damage is critical, go ahead and call your insurance agent – some homeowners insurance policies cover burst pipes that create water damage.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may encounter a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

If these preventative actions do not work and you find yourself combating frozen pipes this winter, call the plumbing Experts—available 24/7/365— to help at 801-436-8985 or schedule an appointment online.

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